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Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher
Learn all the essentials for making your first year of teaching a success! In this bestselling book, renowned educators Todd Whitaker, Madeline Whitaker Good, and Katherine Whitaker offer step-by-step guidance to thriving in your new role, developing classroom management skills, and overcoming the challenges that many beginning teachers face. In a practical, reader-friendly style, the Whitakers help you learn how to establish procedures and rules, build relationships, maintain high expectations and consistency, and manage your own emotions in the classroom. They also show how to plan effective lessons and how to work with peers, administrators, and parents to foster collaboration. Each chapter offers specific examples and vignettes from different grade levels. This updated edition contains additional guidance on classroom management and dealing with challenging student behavior, two areas that can affect job satisfaction. Importantly, you’ll learn how to make tweaks or hit the "reset" button when something isn’t going as planned. In addition, there is also a special new feature called "Think About…," which helps you reflect on how you will consider topics such as representation and inclusion as they pertain to your classroom. You can use these reflection questions independently or with a mentor or new-teacher colleague. New teachers are special and needed, and the practical advice in this book will provide valuable support for your professional and personal journey.
156 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2016
35 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 16, 2024
I think this book was a decent one to pick up as I am going into my first year. A friend had recommended it to me in college and I am glad I read it this summer. I appreciate how each chapter has take-aways so that it can be referred back to throughout my first year, which is something I will likely do. While it did not prove to soothe all my worries and I do wish there had been some more examples, I think this book did a good job at generally covering all the bases. There is no instructional manual for teaching or one right way to approach a first year, but I do appreciate that this book really drove home the point that positivity is key. While it wasn’t always phrased in a way that wasn’t bordering on toxic-positivity, I see what the authors were intending. Having a positive mindset in this career is critical!! And something that should be prioritized. Reading that through the lens of also understanding that it is okay to not feel positive all the time, I think this was a great read that had some quality advice. My biggest takeaway and the thing I appreciated the most was the reminder that it is okay to readjust, revamp, tweak, etc. Acknowledging that reality was so important for me specifically because I am definitely the kind of person who feels like everything has to be perfect, or else I’ve failed. Teaching is a very fluid experience and it changes constantly—and that’s okay!! The most important thing is to prioritize the students and put them first, while also taking care of myself and making sure I am making choices that fill my cup so that I’m enabled to.
September 16, 2017
Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher
1st Edition
by Todd Whitaker
[More like a summary of the book than a review!]
The book opens by congratulating the reader for “making the decision to make the difference.” It tells the reader that you don’t want to be “a” teacher. You want to be “the” teacher. The book continues with the inspirational effects and reminds the reader about the beauty of the profession. Every teacher has students with unlimited potential. A teacher sees in the students, future inventers, someone who will one day find the cure for cancer, and “the ones to change the world.” Each teacher is unique in his/her own way. Some teachers reach some of their students and some teachers reach ALL their students. Which one you want to be? As a new teacher there will be many things that you wouldn’t know or “get it right,” but “your structure shouldn’t be one of them.” All new and even experienced teachers need to take time to go through the day in their mind to internalize what routines and procedures need to be in place for students.
Great teachers plan for every single minute of the class including bathroom breaks. They have a clear vision of what rules they want the students to follow and tell the students reasoning for the rules. Explain to students how frustrating it can be when you speak and others interrupt. Take responsibility as a teacher and teach the students how to work in teams, be respectful, and follow directions. In order to build a good relationship with students, a teacher must have specific directions for students and by being consistent. Take time to listen to the student and make them feel cared. Regularly celebrate students’ achievements, and show respect by never yelling or being sarcastic. Ask students about their lives and listen to their stories.
Then the author makes an analogy of a strong house. The foundation of the house is student-teacher relationship and “the actual house is everyday expectations.” When students don’t see that YOU care, they are less likely to act like THEY care. Create a classroom you can call home 😊 Make it livable!
Be consistent with your consequences. When students see that you do not follow your own rules, you will lose their respect. The end goal for any consequence should be to not have that behavior/action occur again. Let the student know that their behavior is unacceptable. If it occurred out of frustration, teach them how to deal with different situations. Teach them how to face the challenge nicely and persevere. Many misbehaviors occur when students either do not understand something, they don’t have something to do, or it’s too easy for them. Let students see that you’re putting in the effort and are considering their needs and are really trying to help meet their needs.
Many new teachers fall into the trap of comparing themselves to other teachers. It can be very beneficial when it comes to borrowing ideas and trying something new, but it’s very detrimental to compare your success. Think about it this way. Other teachers have years of experience under their belt. They experienced different strategies over the years to be able to begin instruction effectively. During your first year you use others’ “expertise to stay afloat” until you develop your own expertise with time and experience.
Remember that it is very likely that you are the ONLY person in a student’s life who believes that they are capable of achieving at a high level. You cannot control everything that the students do, but you can control everything that you do. Remember that you are the adult in the room and you must hold yourself to that standard. When an issue occurs, try to shrink it rather than inflating it.
Also remember, no matter how much you prepare, there are going to be times when you just don’t know how to handle a situation. You will make mistakes. It is crucial however, that when you do make mistakes, accept that you were at fault and try to repair your relationship with the students. There is no shame in a sincere apology. Tell students how you felt. Do not blame them. Tell students that you felt disrespected when they ignored your instruction and threw things. Remember to take time to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
Principals, state legislators, state board of education, superintendents, central offices, and school boards all have their influence on the students, but most important influence in the students’ lives is YOU!
“Most important adult in a classroom is the teacher, always has been, always will be.”
1st Edition
by Todd Whitaker
[More like a summary of the book than a review!]
The book opens by congratulating the reader for “making the decision to make the difference.” It tells the reader that you don’t want to be “a” teacher. You want to be “the” teacher. The book continues with the inspirational effects and reminds the reader about the beauty of the profession. Every teacher has students with unlimited potential. A teacher sees in the students, future inventers, someone who will one day find the cure for cancer, and “the ones to change the world.” Each teacher is unique in his/her own way. Some teachers reach some of their students and some teachers reach ALL their students. Which one you want to be? As a new teacher there will be many things that you wouldn’t know or “get it right,” but “your structure shouldn’t be one of them.” All new and even experienced teachers need to take time to go through the day in their mind to internalize what routines and procedures need to be in place for students.
Great teachers plan for every single minute of the class including bathroom breaks. They have a clear vision of what rules they want the students to follow and tell the students reasoning for the rules. Explain to students how frustrating it can be when you speak and others interrupt. Take responsibility as a teacher and teach the students how to work in teams, be respectful, and follow directions. In order to build a good relationship with students, a teacher must have specific directions for students and by being consistent. Take time to listen to the student and make them feel cared. Regularly celebrate students’ achievements, and show respect by never yelling or being sarcastic. Ask students about their lives and listen to their stories.
Then the author makes an analogy of a strong house. The foundation of the house is student-teacher relationship and “the actual house is everyday expectations.” When students don’t see that YOU care, they are less likely to act like THEY care. Create a classroom you can call home 😊 Make it livable!
Be consistent with your consequences. When students see that you do not follow your own rules, you will lose their respect. The end goal for any consequence should be to not have that behavior/action occur again. Let the student know that their behavior is unacceptable. If it occurred out of frustration, teach them how to deal with different situations. Teach them how to face the challenge nicely and persevere. Many misbehaviors occur when students either do not understand something, they don’t have something to do, or it’s too easy for them. Let students see that you’re putting in the effort and are considering their needs and are really trying to help meet their needs.
Many new teachers fall into the trap of comparing themselves to other teachers. It can be very beneficial when it comes to borrowing ideas and trying something new, but it’s very detrimental to compare your success. Think about it this way. Other teachers have years of experience under their belt. They experienced different strategies over the years to be able to begin instruction effectively. During your first year you use others’ “expertise to stay afloat” until you develop your own expertise with time and experience.
Remember that it is very likely that you are the ONLY person in a student’s life who believes that they are capable of achieving at a high level. You cannot control everything that the students do, but you can control everything that you do. Remember that you are the adult in the room and you must hold yourself to that standard. When an issue occurs, try to shrink it rather than inflating it.
Also remember, no matter how much you prepare, there are going to be times when you just don’t know how to handle a situation. You will make mistakes. It is crucial however, that when you do make mistakes, accept that you were at fault and try to repair your relationship with the students. There is no shame in a sincere apology. Tell students how you felt. Do not blame them. Tell students that you felt disrespected when they ignored your instruction and threw things. Remember to take time to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
Principals, state legislators, state board of education, superintendents, central offices, and school boards all have their influence on the students, but most important influence in the students’ lives is YOU!
“Most important adult in a classroom is the teacher, always has been, always will be.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2021
Some good advice, some toxic positivity, overall an okay read.
September 10, 2023
Loads of helpful information for new teachers!
June 25, 2021
I am not about to go into my first year teaching. However, I am reading this as I contemplate gifting it to those who are. But don’t be fooled by the title! This book can also be read by veteran teachers looking for a refresher in the “basics.”
This book is grounded is a big picture/vision. This is great for the new teacher, motivated by their passion to change the world. It is also revitalizing to the veteran teacher, seeking to be regrounded in their “why.”
The authors give some practical and actionable advice, especially in how to respond to student behaviors. However, some sections are not as strong in this area. For example, they describe the importance of procedures, but don’t give many specific examples of what this could look like. Luckily, there are other classroom management books that do this.
I wasn’t a fan of the chapter about working with peers. This one leaned towards toxic positivity. The authors do give the important advice to seek those who empower you and to stick by those with similar goals and drive. However, painting teachers who feel overworked and underpaid as predatory villains, seeking to convert young innocent newbies to the dark side, does nothing to help new teachers navigate these issues or understand the nuances of the problem (or their own complex feelings).
This book is grounded is a big picture/vision. This is great for the new teacher, motivated by their passion to change the world. It is also revitalizing to the veteran teacher, seeking to be regrounded in their “why.”
The authors give some practical and actionable advice, especially in how to respond to student behaviors. However, some sections are not as strong in this area. For example, they describe the importance of procedures, but don’t give many specific examples of what this could look like. Luckily, there are other classroom management books that do this.
I wasn’t a fan of the chapter about working with peers. This one leaned towards toxic positivity. The authors do give the important advice to seek those who empower you and to stick by those with similar goals and drive. However, painting teachers who feel overworked and underpaid as predatory villains, seeking to convert young innocent newbies to the dark side, does nothing to help new teachers navigate these issues or understand the nuances of the problem (or their own complex feelings).
July 15, 2022
Book #11 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Your First Year: How to Survive and Thrive as a New Teacher by Todd Whitaker. Rereading and brushing up on the basics so I can support my newest teachers (and frankly there’s great reminders in this book for every teacher and administrator).
Book #12 of my #30BookSummer Challenge!
I wish I had this book before my first year teaching! In fact it would be a great review book to skim before the start of ANY year of teaching. A MUST read for beginning teachers and really any teacher. It's quick, practical, and covers all aspects of teaching.
Book #12 of my #30BookSummer Challenge!
I wish I had this book before my first year teaching! In fact it would be a great review book to skim before the start of ANY year of teaching. A MUST read for beginning teachers and really any teacher. It's quick, practical, and covers all aspects of teaching.
October 17, 2020
This has some helpful information in here. I enjoyed the short stories that accompanied the teacher techniques. Some of the tips are very useful, but they do have very high expectations for first year teachers and expect them to be superhuman, so not everything is realistic in this book for first year teachers.
January 30, 2021
I really wish I would’ve read this during student teaching last year. I think it has some great advice that’s concise and not overwhelming. As a first year teacher, many of the examples did not pertain to me (but that’s expected as all classrooms are different). Sometimes throughout the book I wish they’d go more in depth and was disappointed when they’re example stopped short.
August 3, 2021
Really great for a first year teacher! Gave me a bit more confidence before I begin my first year in just a few short weeks.
February 27, 2022
This was a good book to listen to since it's my first year of teaching.
However, I've been a substitute teacher for the last three years and so some of the classroom management scenarios that were shared in the book, I've already experienced.
That being said, I think it was still a good book to listen to. I especially liked it when the author said that students have to take ownership of their time in school too. It's not all about how the adults should make them feel or how they are treated. The blame and/or responsibility should not always be outside of them. I like that because I'm seeing a lot more students not reaching their highest potential because they don't take ownership of their learning. Too many victimization and "oh poor me" attitudes in my school right now.
However, I've been a substitute teacher for the last three years and so some of the classroom management scenarios that were shared in the book, I've already experienced.
That being said, I think it was still a good book to listen to. I especially liked it when the author said that students have to take ownership of their time in school too. It's not all about how the adults should make them feel or how they are treated. The blame and/or responsibility should not always be outside of them. I like that because I'm seeing a lot more students not reaching their highest potential because they don't take ownership of their learning. Too many victimization and "oh poor me" attitudes in my school right now.
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August 12, 2022This one has some real tips about how to manage and set up your classroom, the basic tips, which are helpful when you just need an overview. Some reviewers have been saying there are too high expectations for first-year teachers, and I understand that, but at the same time, teaching is a profession where a lot is asked of you. It's good to keep the bar high for yourself. But to make sure you don't burn-out and so that you provide self-care, you should read Teacher's Field Guide: 7 Truths About Teaching to Help You Start off Strong, Avoid Burnout, and Stay in Love with Teaching (which I read right after this one, and they were good companion books).
July 14, 2022
Took a little bit to finish but glad I did! There are some really great suggestions in here for new teachers. I especially loved the chapter on routines and systems and I will be implementing some of them into my classroom this year. I’m proud to say I knew most of the stuff in the book from my first year of teaching already, but really really universal stuff that applies to all grades. Good quick read that should be read whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
December 30, 2022
3.5 leaning more towards 4. I think this was a great book with lots of actual examples on how to implement things and fix mistakes in your classroom. This would’ve been a great book to read even before going into student teaching, but especially before I actually started into my first year of teaching last year. Still very helpful/informative now, and it made me feel validated in wanting to avoid certain things/types of teachers that I have encountered in my experience already.
June 2, 2023
This is probably helpful for preservice teachers, but so much of the advice is just impractical. I feel that it's not advice that makes new teachers feel like they're doing a good job, especially as current class environments are rife with tough behaviors, lack of support staff, and huge class sizes. It's a pretty idealistic approach under the guise of being empathetic and flying by the seat of your pants. If I read this my first year, I would have felt like a horrible teacher.
September 3, 2023
It is a nice sum-up of everything you have to consider before the start of the academic year - even if the year is not your first one.
It's hardly can be called a study guide since the book is too short to cover all the issues and give enough examples. Still, swimming in the anxiety and apprehension, i am grateful for the authors attempts to calm my mind - definitely was worth my time ♥️
It's hardly can be called a study guide since the book is too short to cover all the issues and give enough examples. Still, swimming in the anxiety and apprehension, i am grateful for the authors attempts to calm my mind - definitely was worth my time ♥️
October 15, 2017
This is an outstanding concise guide for first year teaching and beyond. It’s a good refresher too. The book contains the basics of teaching such as how to set up a classroom, behavior management, classroom and school procedures, dealing with school staff in a positive manner and administrators. It has the basics down pat with great advice and excellent advice. Perfect.
January 18, 2020
I can see why many teachers like this book and why it is required reading for new teachers in my district. My biggest problem is that it didn't really pertain to me in my position. Due to that I rated it as an average book. It has good points, but it gets a little repetitive at times. I also thinknit would be a good read for those entering student teaching.
August 11, 2022
Not a lot was said in too many words. It’s all stuff I’ve heard before, I think there are better first year teacher books out there. I would say it’s a good quick refresher, but they really were too verbose, I wish it was more concise. A bit too much encouraging and not enough tangible tips and advise.
May 16, 2019
This book is definitely worth reading, especially since you can download it on Hoopla. I listened to it in the car. It's super fast and easy "read" and it has some great points. I'm most likely going to listen to it again, and maybe again after that.
May 20, 2019
Super practical and a quick read; each chapter is about 4-5 pages. This book covers both elementary and secondary with real-life examples and gives concrete and direct tips for thriving in year 1. I highly recommend to any new teacher or new teacher mentor.
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August 10, 2020Nederlandse versie: ‘Je eerste jaar als leraar’ gelezen. Als echte starter staan hierin wellicht enkele goede tips, maar wat mij betreft met weinig diepgang en erg algemene voorbeelden. Voor VO en PO geschreven en mede daardoor is het boek met slechts ruim 100 blz voor mij de €40 echt niet waard.
July 7, 2024
I was given this book by my county to read before training and I'm so glad I was! This is a super quick and easy read with lots of helpful info that has me feeling a lot more confident going into my first year as a teacher. I will definitely be referring back to it through out the year.
July 24, 2018
Excellent book for new teachers and veteran teachers who mentor them!
August 2, 2018
Applicable strategies for the first (or second) year teacher!
March 24, 2020
I highly recommend this book for any first year teacher! This book has so many tips for classroom management, working with peers, working with students, and working with parents!
June 11, 2020
2.5 Definitely more geared towards classroom teachers, and the audiobook narrator's voice was not engaging.
August 2, 2020
Great read for a first year teacher! Lots to think about. Recommend!
August 4, 2020
I thought it was pretty good overall, lots of great advice for a new teacher.
August 13, 2020
An informative read!
August 15, 2020
This book may be intended for first-year teachers, but I was still able to glean much wisdom from it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews